Rachel Yoder: Just Plain Foolishness
#6 in Rachel Yoder - Always Trouble Somewhere Series
on Goodreads (81)
What’s inside...
As summer is coming to an end, Rachel's troubles are just beginning. Not only does she have a new baby sister to deal with, but she has an ornery cat on the loose, too. Rachel begins to feel that life just isn't fair. When her jealousy leads her to take a trip to an amusement park with her English friend - without her parents' permission - her problems only get worse. Will Rachel ever learn to be content? Welcome back to Lancaster County, and join lovable and outrageously rambunctious eleven-year-old Rachel Yoder, as she learns an important lesson about contentment. Rachel Yoder embarks on a topsy-turvy adventure, as she experiences feelings of jealousy and discontent with the arrival of a new baby sister and longings for things she doesn't have. Eventually learning that she's still special and that 'things' don't bring real happiness.
Character compass
Rachel Yoder
Discussion points
What do you think made Rachel feel better after her series of unfortunate events?
How do Rachel's experiences teach us about forgiveness and understanding?
What could you do if you were in a similar situation as Rachel?
How do the characters in the story help each other? Can you think of a time when someone helped you like that?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize pauses after each question to give your child time to think and respond.
Relate the questions to your child's personal experiences to foster deeper connections with the story's themes.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to enhance creative thinking.
Affirm your child’s responses to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the story, Rachel Yoder learns the importance of taking responsibility for her actions, particularly after she causes trouble by playing jokes on others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the consequences of their actions and learning to take ownership of their mistakes in their day-to-day activities.
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: In 'Just Plain Foolishness', Rachel faces situations where she must choose between telling the truth or covering up her misdeeds. This highlights the value of honesty.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to practice truth-telling in their interactions with friends and family, building trust and integrity.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness
Explanation: The story also explores themes of forgiveness when Rachel seeks pardon from those she has wronged, teaching her the importance of resolving conflicts and making amends.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of seeking forgiveness and reconciling, fostering a forgiving attitude and healthier relationships.
Example Lesson: Respecting Differences
Explanation: Rachel interacts with different characters in the book, which teaches her to respect and appreciate the differences in others.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children embrace diversity and understand the value of respecting everyone’s unique qualities in school and in their community.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: Family relationships play a significant role in Rachel’s adventures, emphasizing the support and love family members provide.
Real-World Application: This lesson can remind children to value family time and strengthen bonds with their own family members, recognizing the crucial support system they offer.